Recommendation 13

We have previously observed that the Department’s evaluation of its employment support schemes depends on clear evidence, and that accountability to stakeholders requires detailed and timely publication of performance data during each scheme’s operation. We recommended the Department produce regular data updates on its schemes, including Kickstart, at a local granular level.52 However, the Department did not publish any local data (at a local authority and constituency level) on Kickstart employers and participants until November 2021, and then it was in the form of an ad hoc answer to a parliamentary question, rather than as part of a regular, highly visible publication on its website.53 The Department said that, having set up the scheme quickly, it had faced difficulties with the quality of its data, but that as the reliability of its data had improved it had begun to publish more.54 48 Q24. 49 Qq23–24. 50 Qq42, 44. 51 C&AG’s Report, paragraph 19. 52 Committee of Public Accounts, Fifteenth Report of Session 2021–22, DWP Employment support, HC 177, Conclusion and recommendation 5. 53 C&AG’s Report, paragraph 1.19; PQ 58900, 5 November 2021. 54 Q95. 14 DWP Employment Support: Kickstart Scheme 2 Providing support to young people at risk of long-term unemployment Targeting Kickstart on individuals who would most benefit